Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time [ Mark Adams] on leondumoulin.nl *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. THE NEW.
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Adams took me on a revisit of not just Machu Picchu, but deep into the Sacred Valley of the Incas along the Urubamba River and Ollantaytambo and beyond. I absolutely loved how he was able to weave Inca history of which im a longtime student Into the arduous adventure of his trek along Bingham's footsteps.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams | leondumoulin.nl

I have traveled to Peru over a dozen times and have many friends in the Quechua communities in and around Cusco. I got many a chuckle about the idiosyncrasies of these hardy and unique descendants of the Inca. I found myself nodding in agreement with the author and enjoyed the interspersing of historic accounts and different aspects of interpretation of what remains a mystery to this day.

Yes, it was a true rediscovery of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail which I hiked at the age of 62 in , highlight of my adult life. I'm grateful for the many hours of armchair travel the author provided me as chances are that I will not be able to return unless someone volunteers a golden litter and a couple of handsome chasquis!

Review: Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

Author Mark Adams has produced an enjoyable book that is part travel log, part history, and part archeology. He visits Peru and ancient Inca archeological sites with a knowledgable cast of characters. Bingham stumbled onto jungle-encrusted Machu Picchu on July 24, Although others knew of the existence of the ruins, Bingham brought them to world-wide attention and almost overnight prominence. Adams alternates among his present-day experience, Bingham's experience, and the thoughts on the Incas the builders in the times frame to attempt to explain the original purpose of Machu Pichu.

Its a good read, providing you are interested in the Incas or South American history. Its a quick read. If you are only going to read one book about Machu Picchu before you visit this should be that book. A The author has written an entertaining story about his personal quest. I bought a copy for a friend who is an armchair explorer and he loved the book.

FInd the Truth vs. This very entertaining tale shares with the reader the author's initial visit to Peru to find the reality that he only observed vicariously as editor of Outdoor Magazin before taking his trip.. He had never explored anyplace before and learned to trek as he went along with a very skilled professional guide. The adventure gets more interesting as he learns of the difference between what is written about Inca history versus what on the ground knowledge of experts such as a native guide who speaks English like he is from Orange County, CA, even though he has never visited the US; and, a retired Alaskan pipeline laborer who has become a major player in the debate about discovering historial Incan cities and holy places after writing an article that set many points straight.

Toss in the wife of Peru's former Prsident Toledo, and you have a tasty read that teaches the reader who has not been there alot about the Peruvian view of history and South American religion. Read this and you will feel like you took a trip during your reading. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. View or edit your browsing history. Get to Know Us. Delivery and Returns see our delivery rates and policies thinking of returning an item? I liked hearing about Mark's trip, and getting to know John, and learning about Hiram Bingham, and hearing how Mark met his wife, and reading some of the theories about Macchu Picchu's significance, but maybe not all in the same book.

I looked across the water toward Peru and vowed to return one day. Then an old man with a cane picked my pocket.

Even though I wasn't crazy about the construction, I would still recommend to people who hope to hike the Inca Trail. He does have some good tips buried in there. Take bus to Santa Maria, transfer to smaller bus at Santa Teresa, flag down combi bus to train station and Hidroelectrica and walk along the tracks.

Oct 01, edj rated it it was amazing. Mark Adams, working a desk job editing adventure travel stories, decided to find out the truth for himself, at least as much as possible. I really, really liked this book. Although I was thankful for the historical parts which gave me background, my favorite parts were the first person travels. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of his travels all over Peru, and the characters with whom he was traveling.

First off, there was Australian guide John Leivers, who wears the same clothes every day no matter the weather, always has a machete on hand, and has no permanent address. He just has a different way of looking at the world, due to his experience of it. Then there were the muleteers and cooks, with their coca leaves to combat altitude sickness and bags of sweet snacks and sugary soft drinks, telling crazy tales and responding to events with stoicism and humour.

There are the people he meets along the way, both locals and other travelers. I loved the story of the two Quechua kids, asking Adams where he was from. Because, although I have confessed to enjoying the modern bits best, the history is actually fascinating—gory and bloodstained and full of excitement, lots of double-crossing from both sides, fleeing Inca warriors and kings, and pursuing Spainards in search of legendary gold.

Adams is a good writer, and he makes his subject matter live, infusing all with a subtle humour and wry turn of phrase. Mar 21, David rated it really liked it Shelves: As an adventure travelogue, Turn Left is highly successful due to Adams' insightful, clever writing, based on meticulous research, and his subtle, self deprecating humor.

The short chapters keep the tale moving along, as do the honest portraits of the Turn Right at Machu Picchu: The short chapters keep the tale moving along, as do the honest portraits of the people he meets, along with guide John Leivers, explorer Juvenal, and the muleteers who accompany Adams. I frequently burst into laughter while reading this. I found the points about Machu Picchu as the central one of many interrelated sites insightful. Adams weaves the history of the Incas, the Spanish Conquest, more recent Peruvian history, and the travels of Bingham and other explorers into a very readable account.

The gore in the Inca and Spanish sections may both repel and fascinate. The difficulty of place names and given names is somewhat alleviated by the six page glossary which I referred to often. I would suggest reading this glossary first before reading the book to begin to get names and places into your head. Four pages of maps at the front, a chronology at the back, and the index will help readers. A note on sources and a selected bibliography give those interested in further reading many options. Adams gives a balanced account of Bingham's explorations, actions and writings.

Bingham gave himself too much credit in some writings, was guilty of taking artifacts, tried to do to much sometimes, and made incorrect suppositions at times. Bingham did, however, succeed in publicizing Machu Picchu, which ultimately helped keep it from being destroyed. I strongly recommend Turn Left to those who love history, particularly that of South America and those who enjoy travel adventure, especially if they enjoy Bill Bryson.

For geography, humor, Machu Picchu and fans of Mark Adams. I read this in preparation for my trip to Machu Picchu next week and I don't know that I would recommend getting it unless you have imminent plans to go there. Mark Adams is quite funny and I appreciate that it sounds like we have a similar fitness level mostly sedentary. But jokes aside, I found the narrative to be a bit rambly, jumping around from the locals' personal lives, to facts about Peru, to the history of Hiram Bingham III "discovering" the famous ruins.

I love that I have a better un I read this in preparation for my trip to Machu Picchu next week and I don't know that I would recommend getting it unless you have imminent plans to go there.

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I think it would have been better as a feature article, or at the very least should have been edited down because it felt like there was so much filler that didn't actually tell me anything. Curious about the Inca trail? Want to know what was up with Hiram Bingham? Like to read about places you're planning on seeing? If yes, pick this up. Otherwise, save it for another time.

Apr 08, Marisa rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a book that couch- and world-travelers alike will enjoy. Adams does a fantastic job weaving history with his personal experiences in Peru. When wanderlust strikes, even the most unprepared are willing to start a new adventure — often with hilarious results. I particularly enjoyed reading this novel in advance of my own trip to Machu Picchu. I had learned a little about Machu Picch This is a book that couch- and world-travelers alike will enjoy.

I had learned a little about Machu Picchu in school, this book does a good job explaining why many assumptions are wrong. Most of all, this book will give you a sense of wonder and awe at the ancient architects who designed the ancient city and the surrounding area. Who should read it? Lovers of couch-traveling or anyone planning to go to Machu Picchu one day!

Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

See all my reviews and more at www. Mar 06, Kris Hintz rated it really liked it Shelves: I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Adams' book. Part witty travelogue, part fascinating history, this book was the perfect way to prepare for my upcoming trip to Machu Picchu. I feel as though a good friend, with a journalist's skill, has given me every kind of background necessary to fully appreciate the journey. I gave it four stars instead of five, because there were some sections where the book did seem to drag.

When the travelers were going through several different geo-climate zones in one day, it w I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Adams' book. When the travelers were going through several different geo-climate zones in one day, it was hard to picture their full journey. A few maps would have given me a better picture of their trek, up and down mountains, through jungles, along rivers, and so forth. If I were not so psyched about my own upcoming trip, I might have lost interest in the book half way through when the journey became confusing and circuitous, so a map would have clarified the route and kept my attention.

All in all, a great book! Obviously, I had not. I experienced so many amazing things in Peru, and what I experienced at Machu Picchu was breathtaking and truly indescribable. I was hoping to retrieve done if those awe-inspiring feelings as I read this. Instead, I was disappointed. The writing was lackluster and shifty. The bouncing through history appe I went to Peru in the Summer of , and while I was there, I was asked if I had read this book. The bouncing through history appeared awkward at times and uncomfortable at certain moments.

I'm a huge history fan, and this seemed disjointed. He didn't capture the essence of the culture, places, or spirituality at all. It left me wanting. Jul 30, Sook-Yi rated it it was ok. This book sounded promising. However, I was unable to get into the author's writing style, particularly with him switching back and forth between Hiram Bingham III's journey to Machu Picchu and his own journey of mapping Bingham's steps.

For his part of the journey, I don't think he did the place justice as he sort of skipped the finer details. It just wasn't a very engaging read. That bein This book sounded promising. That being said, the book did provide some interesting information about the Inca ruins in Peru.


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Apr 16, Cfkotula rated it liked it Shelves: A fun armchair adventure into mysterious Machu Picchu with a "regular guy" along with some interesting history of its "discoverer" as well as the Inca people. I really enjoyed the current-day adventure but found the historical chapters to be a little on the dry side A fascinating story and wonderful account of Machu Picchu.

Excellently researched, very well written, and a page turner to boot! I'll have my eye out for a print copy so I can see some of the photos in color. Nov 19, Leslie rated it it was amazing. Adams did it perfectly. If you need one book while visiting Machu Picchu, take this one. Adams breezes over or ignores several compelling themes that could have enriched the narrative.

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One thing leads to another: He mistakenly believes it to be the Lost City of the Incas, to where Manco, the last Inca ruler, fled the Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century. Despite coming from a long line of adventurous missionaries, he loses his faith at Yale and, after leveraging the fame he so sought into the U. Senate, is censured by his colleagues, leaves in disgrace, and returns as a lobbyist. When he ask his Peruvian wife: Somewhere in the background, an angry kitten meowed. While his near-complete lack of preparation for the arduous months of trekking ahead at times amuses, we get no compelling insight, or learning, from it, other than that two pairs of socks is critical, especially when hiking downhill.

It used to take three weeks to get people in the right frame of mind, to un-brainwash them. They want hedonism, short-term thrills. His observations about Leivers are, at times, felicitous: He held his yellow GPS in front of him like the handle of a fishing pole and scribbled notes furiously in his blue notebook, reeling in secrets. Adams, admirably, pokes fun at himself with frequency.

Granted, there are two primary streams in travel writing. One, developed by the British mostly between the wars, is empiricist, characterized by sharp, at times encyclopedic, observations of foreign cultures in strange lands. We get to know these narrators indirectly, through their humor and, often, strong opinions.

Furthermore, issues of potential interest, such as why on earth is the human psyche so drawn to Lost Cities, are ignored.


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    4. From Atlantis, to El Dorado, to the earthly paradise of Shangri-La, I suspect the yearning for lost cities is tied to original sin and our inability to recapture Eden. A nicely written account of the author's journey to Macchu Picchu to retrace the steps of the Yale professor, explorer, Hiram Bingham. The book recounts Bingham's travels as well as his own. Definitely worth the read. I listened to the book and it was narrated well.

    Mar 04, Ash rated it really liked it Shelves: I heard about Machu Picchu and saw its picture for the first time only after it was declared as one of the new seven wonders of the world. I then read "The Motorcycle Diaries" by Che Guevara and that was when I first learnt something about this marvelous place. I also got to read about the Inca empire and its decline thanks to that wonderful book.

    After reading that book, I got so intrigued about Inca empire and Machu Picchu that I had to watch couple of documentaries and read some articles onli I heard about Machu Picchu and saw its picture for the first time only after it was declared as one of the new seven wonders of the world. After reading that book, I got so intrigued about Inca empire and Machu Picchu that I had to watch couple of documentaries and read some articles online to quench the curiosity.

    That was when I came across this book on Amazon in the bestsellers list.

    Travel Book Review: Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by...

    I knew I had to read this book but I took few years to actually get to it. I am so glad I did read this book. It is a wonderful book which gives you a virtual tour of all the popular Inca sites along with history about these places. Mark Adams tries to retrace the path that Bingham took when he made expeditions in search of the lost city of Incas. The author is an "unadventurous adventure writer" who has never even slept in a tent before. But he still hikes Peru's mountains and rain forests as he tries to retrace the Inca trails that Bingham took, with the help of an Australian guide, John.

    The book is a mix of adventure, travel and history which made it an interesting read. The author gives us a history of the Inca empire, their last rebel king Manco Inca and fall of Inca empire after Spaniards came. I found this to be the most interesting part of the book. How an army of spaniards was able to defeat a king who had forty thousand Inca soldiers shocked me!

    I am now in search of a documentary video that can explain this Inca history in detail. Mark tries to address the question - what exactly was Machu Picchu? Was it a city or a pilgrimage or the lost city of Incas? He has collected all the theories that various people have put forth about this place. The author talks about the multiple expeditions that Bingham undertook to search for the lost city of Incas to which the Inca emperor fled when the spaniards attacked and the controversies that resulted from the artifacts that were carried back to US from Peru by Bingham.

    He also mentions some other people who were involved in the discovery of Machu Picchu and some of the other Inca sites. The author makes two different trips to Machu Picchu - first time, following the path that Bingham took during his first expedition and the second time, by hiking the Inca trail for five days.

    In his second hike, he also witnesses the winter solstice at the sun temple in Machu Picchu. I so badly want to visit this place after reading the book and learning more about Inca empire and their sites in Peru.

    Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

    As outlined by Leivers over breakfast, the trek looked manageable: For the big finish, all we had to do was follow the river and turn right at Machu Picchu. This last part sounded like a pleasant afternoon stroll, something to kill a few hours and work up an appetite for dinner. Not merely is Inca history difficult to pin down, but Machu Picchu itself is an enduring mystery. A really elaborate granary? A spiritual portal to the fourth dimension, constructed by extraterrestrial stonemasons? Leivers had his own theory.